Top Five No-Gi Takedowns Adapted from Judo

A system of five takedowns for no-gi grappling that minimize risk of front headlock exposure.

Flow outline

1. Square Off and Identify Lead Foot

   • Assess opponent's stance to determine lead foot and plan entry.
   • Observe which foot is forward for right or left dominant play
   • Maintain distance with arms extended to gauge reach

2. Collar Tie and Triceps Grip to Shift Weight

   • Use collar tie and triceps grip to force opponent's weight onto lead leg.
   • Collar tie on neck to control head position
   • Triceps grip pulls arm across to shift weight sideways
   • Combine grips to break posture and load lead leg

3. Sweep Lead Leg Outside for Takedown

   • Sweep the weighted lead leg from outside to execute the throw.
   • Step in close with hips forward to reduce distance
   • Sweep leg with rear leg at ankle or calf while pulling grips
   • Rotate torso to drive opponent over swept leg

4. Opposite Stance Collar Tie Battle

   • Fight for inside collar tie when facing opposite-stance opponent.
   • Shrug shoulder to open opponent's elbow and gain inside grip
   • Pop through to secure collar tie while controlling wrist
   • Prevent opponent's hand from touching your hip

5. Snap Down to Pop Up Reaction

   • Snap opponent down to provoke a pop-up that loads weight on lead foot.
   • Pull down sharply on collar tie and triceps to break posture
   • Opponent resists by popping up, shifting weight to front foot

6. Tishi Throw on Pop Up

   • Capitalize on pop up by executing a tishi throw using armpit connection.
   • Slide hand under armpit as opponent rises
   • Drive bent leg through opponent's legs and extend to flip
   • Time the throw exactly when weight is on lead foot

7. Collar Tie and Forearm Tension for Weight Shift

   • Use collar tie with forearm tension to sink opponent's weight onto back foot.
   • Collar tie with forearm pressing against neck and shoulder
   • Apply tension to force weight onto back foot

8. Dashi Sweep from Collar Tie

   • Sweep opponent's lead leg after shifting weight to back foot.
   • Step in and sweep the lead leg at the ankle with rear foot
   • Pull grips to amplify the sweep and drive opponent down

9. Whizzer Grip for Uchimata Setup

   • Establish a shallow whizzer grip to enable hip movement for uchimata.
   • Strip opponent's grip and control the wrist
   • Take shallow whizzer under armpit to preserve hip mobility
   • Lift opponent's controlled wrist to bring them onto toes

10. Uchimata Entry and Finish

    • Execute uchimata by lifting opponent onto toes and reaping far leg.
    • Step through with rear leg between opponent's legs
    • Reap far leg with hamstring while pulling down with grips
    • Rotate hips and torso to throw opponent over hip

Branch conditions

• when opponent's lead foot is identified
• when weight is fully loaded on lead leg
• if opponent has opposite stance and fights grips
• when inside collar tie and wrist control are secured
• as opponent pops up and weight shifts to lead foot
• when opponent has left foot forward in opposite stance
• when weight is forced onto back foot
• if whizzer is available from opposite stance battle
• when opponent is lifted onto toes via wrist control